A Good 30 Day Diet
You've been faced with dozens of diets and workouts plans, each with its own unique aspects and all promising that you'll lose weight. The truth is, all these weight loss tactics have one thing in common. They all aim at creating a calorie deficit. The difference between different diets is how easy or hard they are to stick to for long-term weight loss. You could create a calorie deficit by completely avoiding food on water fast or reducing how much you eat gradually. Both methods will work, but a water fast is much harder to sustain and may not work for long-term weight loss. To identify the best 30-day diet plan for weight loss, you need to understand how to create a sustainable calorie deficit. You also need to understand safe weight loss – how many kilos should you be cutting each week? Here is your 30-day weight loss cheat sheet.
How Does Weight Loss Work: Creating A Calorie Deficit Through Diet And Exercise
A calorie deficit is a difference between how many calories you eat and how many calories your body burns. You can create a calorie deficit by eating less, exercising more, or doing both ( 23 ).
You must understand that weight loss accelerates when you create a large enough calorie deficit. For example, if two people each have 2000 calories to spend every day, but one person eats 1900 calories while the other eats just 1500 calories, they'll lose weight at different rates even though both are making good food choices and exercise regularly.
This is why 30-day weight-loss diets that include exercise can work so effectively. You are burning additional calories and creating a bigger deficit through a combination of diet and exercise. This changes the equation from simply "eat less than your body needs" to "burn more than what you eat".
Read More: Intuitive Eating Weight Loss: Breaking Away From The Cycle Of Binging And Restriction
How Much Weight Can You Lose In 30 Days?
There is a wide range of options for weight loss in 30 days. For example, you can lose as little as 0.5kg per week or up to 3kg per week- this is the extreme end of quick weight loss diets out there, but some people have lost more than 10 kilos on a certain no exercise diet plan. The slower you lose the weight, the more likely you are to keep it off.
Several factors determine how much weight you lose and how fast you lose it. These factors include:
Current Weight
Your current weight partially determines your metabolic rate, i.e., how many calories you burn per day. The more you weigh, the more calories you burn just to stay alive ( 12 ). For example, person A who weighs 136kgs and burns 2800 calories per day, can cut more daily calories to lose weight faster than person B, who weighs 68kgs and burns 1800 calories per day.
Person A can cut 1000 or more calories to create a deficit, while Person B can cut a maximum of 600 calories. But remember, it's not recommended to cut daily calories below 1200.
Furthermore, as you lose weight, your metabolism slows down. This means that you might see results at first, but your progress slows down as you get leaner.
Lifestyle
If you're already living a healthy lifestyle, then the scale is going to move much slower. However, if you're ditching an unhealthy lifestyle and starting from scratch, then you'll see faster results. Going from poor nutrition, zero activity, poor sleep, and high-stress levels to a brand new healthy lifestyle, then you're likely to see significant changes soon.
Genetics
Genetics is a major factor in your ability to lose weight . Some people simply drop weight more easily than others. For example, if you have lots of fast-twitch muscle fibers and have a naturally high metabolism, then it's going to be easier for you to stick with the exercise plan, which means that you'll see quicker results.
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Sleep Habits
Getting high-quality sleep impacts how fast you lose weight ( 11 ). Getting a good night's sleep makes you feel energized and ready to make healthy changes. It also helps curb your appetite and cravings, keeping calories in check during the day. Finally, poor sleep quality can affect your metabolism and slow down your progress.
Age
Age is a pretty big factor in how fast you lose weight. The older you are, the harder it is to burn fat. If you're young, then your metabolism will speed up and slow down at regular intervals. This means that during periods of growth (e.g., puberty), your body will naturally increase your metabolic rate to help you grow ( 1 ).
However, as you get older, your metabolism naturally slows down, in part due to a process called sarcopenia, i.e., loss of muscle mass. Since muscle is a large contributor to your daily metabolic rate, losing it slows down your fat-burning mechanisms ( 18 ).
Furthermore, hormonal changes that come with age make it harder to lose weight – this is called metabolic slowdown. Some hormonal changes that slow down your metabolism include the reduction of testosterone in men and the reduced production of thyroid hormones ( 15 ).
Choice Of Workout
Aerobic exercise (e.g., running, cycling) is the quickest way to lose weight because it helps you burn more calories. It also plays an important role in heart health ( 10 ). However, it doesn't build muscle, and when muscle levels decline, your metabolism may be affected negatively. This can make it harder for you to see results in the future.
Strength training remedies this by increasing your muscle mass ( 13 ). It's important to note that a proper strength training routine may actually slow down your weight loss progress because a given volume of muscle weighs more than the same volume of fat. So you may appear leaner while weighing more.
What Is A Safe Rate Of Weight Loss?
Some people expect quick results from the 30-day diet meal plan for weight loss. It's important to note that rapid weight loss can increase your risk of gallstones, dehydration, and malnutrition ( 16 ). Safe weight loss, according to the National Institutes of Health, is 1–2 pounds (0.45–1 kg) per week or about 1% of your body weight ( 9 ).
Also, keep in mind that weight loss is not a linear process. Some weeks you may lose more, while other weeks, you may lose less or none at all ( 22 ).
Read More: 14-Day Keto Diet: The Ultimate Diet For Weight Loss
What Are The Best Foods For Weight Loss?
Before creating a 30-day diet plan for weight loss, you must understand that not all calories are created equal. Different foods are digested differently in your body, and each of them can have vastly different effects on your hunger, hormones, and fat-burning process.
Here is what to eat to lose weight:
Low-Calorie Foods
Foods that are low in calories may provide fewer calories than expected. This is because your body uses energy to digest them. When you're creating a calorie deficit, foods that have almost zero calories are an easy way to achieve that goal. A 30-day vegetable diet plan for weight loss may be effective because most vegetables are high in water and fiber content and contain almost zero calories.
Examples of low-calorie foods to include in your weight loss diet include:
- Lychees
- Papayas
- Grapefruits
- Berries
- Apples
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Romaine lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- White mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Vegetable broth
- Miso broth
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High-Protein Foods
Protein plays a huge role in weight loss ( 17 ). A protein-packed diet promotes a greater metabolic rate by building muscle and helps you feel fuller for longer to prevent snacking and cravings. The best way to get more protein is to eat lean proteins. Avoid processed meats, as they are higher in fat and may contribute to colon cancer risk.
Examples of high-protein foods include:
- Eggs
- Lean Beef
- Chicken Breast (without skin)
- Turkey breast (no skin)
- Pork tenderloin
- Fish such as tilapia, salmon (fresh or canned), sardines, and tuna
- Soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame
- Low-fat dairy products such as Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Whey Protein Powders
- Soy Protein Powder
- Nut butter
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber-rich foods are digested slowly by your body. As a result, they keep you full longer and make it easier to eat less. They also help your body remove toxins before you even absorb them into your bloodstream. Most experts recommend eating 25-38 grams of fiber each day if you're looking to lose weight (21).
When creating a diet plan for weight loss, include foods with plenty of fiber such as:
- Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, onions, and celery
- Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal
- Legumes such as lentils, beans (kidney beans, black beans), peas
- Fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, peaches, and berries (raspberries, blueberries)
Fat-Burning Foods
When you're trying to achieve a calorie deficit and lose weight fast, foods that burn fat are your best ally.
Here are the top foods, herbs, and spices to include in your 30-day diet plan for weight loss:
- Green Tea
Green tea is filled with antioxidants called polyphenols. These antioxidants may increase metabolic rate while also improving digestion and increasing energy levels ( 20 ).
- Thyme
This herb has phenolic compounds that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity as well as beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease ( 2 ).
- Oregano
Oregano contains carvacrol, a powerful compound that may help boost weight loss. One study in mice on a high-fat diet that either contained carvacrol or not found that those that received carvacrol gained significantly less body weight and body fat than the control group ( 5 ). This herb may also improve brain health by protecting nerve cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Chili Peppers
Cayenne pepper is one popular variety of chili that has been shown to have several fat-burning properties. It contains capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism, reduce levels of the hunger-stimulating hormone Ghrelin, and promote feelings of fullness ( 7 ).
- Garlic
Garlic is a natural appetite suppressant. Research has found that garlic supplementation resulted in a decrease in waist circumference ( 19 ). For this reason, it's best consumed raw or fermented. Use garlic as an ingredient in your meals for tasty results.
- Ginger
In addition to speeding up digestion, ginger increases energy levels and stimulates metabolism due to its active compound called gingerol ( 3 ).
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been linked with lower fasting blood sugar and triglyceride levels ( 8 ). It also may reduce belly fat and improve cholesterol levels.
Nutrient-Dense Foods
Most people don't get enough of the nutrients found in whole foods. By following a diet that's rich in nutrient-dense foods, you'll have better health and be more satisfied with less food ( 6 ). Foods that are nutrient-rich also come in low calories. Examples of nutrient-dense foods include:
- Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, onions, and celery
- Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal
- Legumes such as lentils, beans (kidney beans, black beans), and peas
- Fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, peaches, and berries (raspberries, blueberries)
When creating your weight loss meal plan for the next 30 days, make sure you include plenty of these foods in every meal. You'll not only feel more energized and satisfied throughout the day, but you won't have to worry about micronutrient deficiencies.
If you're new to cooking or don't like the taste of certain whole foods, there are many ways to make them more enjoyable. Add spices that improve their flavors, such as cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, and ginger. You can also add fresh herbs for a change in flavor like parsley, dill, mint, and basil.
Healthy Fats
Fat is an underrated source of energy and building block for hormone production. It helps repair cells while also helping keep us satiated throughout the day. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, have been linked with increased fat loss ( 14 ). Furthermore, fats are a must-have in a vegan diet for weight loss 30-day plan because some nutrients found in fruits and vegetables can't be absorbed by your body in the absence of fats.
Healthy fats are found in:
- Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds
- Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and trout
- Animal protein such as free-range eggs and grass-fed beef
- Plant sources such as olives, nuts oil (coconut oil), avocados
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates tend to be low on the glycemic index. This means that they don't cause spikes in blood sugar levels which can help prevent overeating later on. They are also more filling than simple carbohydrates because they are digested slowly ( 4 ). While they may not feature much in a 30-day keto diet plan for weight loss, you can still have them in moderation while on other diet plans.
Examples of complex carbs include:
- Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and whole-grain bread or pasta
- Legumes such as lentils, beans (kidney beans, black beans), and peas
Sample 30-Day Diet Plan For Weight Loss
So, you know what to eat and what to avoid for 30 days to reach your goal. But what does a calorie deficit look like?
Here's a sample one-day 1500 calorie meal plan that can help you shed weight:
Day 1
- Breakfast: 1 serving vegetable with 3 egg Scramble (33g carbs, 29g fat, 29g protein, and 511 calories)
- Lunch: 2 servings cucumber slices with 1 strawberry protein smoothie (27.6g carbs, 11.6g fat, 53.6g protein, and 371 calories)
- Supper: 2 servings of beef stir fry (58g carbs, 17g fat, 47g protein, and 586 calories)
Total daily calories: 1513 calories
Day 2
- Breakfast: 2 servings of spinach and mushroom breakfast scramble with 1 cup of strawberries (23.3g carbs, 10.9g fat, 60.3g protein, and 430 calories)
- Lunch: 2 servings of mango strawberry arugula salad (65g carbs, 23.1g fat, 9.2g protein, and 457 calories)
- Supper: 2 servings of pasta with red sauce and mozzarella (95.2g carbs, 14.3g fat, 32.3g protein, and 617 calories)
Total daily calories: 1504 calories
Day 3
- Breakfast: 1 serving powerball smoothie (38.1g carbs, 43.9g fat, 5.4g protein, and 528 calories)
- Lunch: 2 servings of turkey lettuce roll-ups with 2 ounces of almonds (17.5g carbs, 30.9g fat, 30.3g protein, and 447 calories)
- Supper: 2 chicken wraps (49.2g carbs, 11.6g fat, 47.9g protein, and 505 calories)
Total daily calories: 1480 calories
Day 4
- Breakfast: 1 serving of peanut butter and banana oatmeal with 1 medium apple (71.1g carbs, 12.4g fat, 11.1g protein, and 402 calories)
- Lunch: 2 servings of all American tuna (31.9g carbs, 11.9g fat, 70.6g protein, and 512 calories)
- Supper: 2 lavash chicken wraps (31g carbs, 24g fat, 74.2g protein, and 584 calories)
Total daily calories: 1498 calories
Day 5
- Breakfast: 1 bowl of knock-oats (63.5g carbs, 19.6g fat, 14g protein, and 451 calories)
- Lunch: 16 ounces of nonfat Greek yogurt and 2 medium bananas (70.2g carbs, 2.6g fat, 48.7g protein, and 478 calories)
- Supper: 1 serving of avocado chicken salad (11.6g carbs, 34.4g fat, 55.1g protein, and 573 calories)
Total daily calories: 1502 calories
Day 6
- Breakfast: 1 tropical protein smoothie (76.9g carbs, 2.2g fat, 28.4g protein, and 425 calories)
- Lunch: 1 serving salmon wrapped avocado (12g carbs, 40.3g fat, 21.8g protein, and 486 calories)
- Supper: 2 servings veggie and chicken salad (42.2g carbs, 31.4g fat, 38.9g protein, and 589 calories)
Total daily calories: 1500 calories
Day 7
- Breakfast: 1 oatmeal banana protein shake (49g carbs, 17g fat, 54g protein, and 546 calories)
- Lunch: 2 servings of quick buffalo chicken salad (18g carbs, 18g fat, 57g protein, and 456 calories)
- Supper: 1 serving black-bean quesadillas (53.6g carbs, 22.3g fat, 24.2g protein, and 500 calories)
Total daily calories: 1502 calories
The Bottom Line
30 days is a lifetime when it comes to forming new habits. After the first month, you'll feel stronger, your energy levels will be higher, and most importantly, you will have lost weight. Being patient with yourself is a great quality to have. Expecting immediate weight loss can be frustrating because many factors come into play, like genetics, age, and stress levels. But once you quit stressing over that number on the scale, your patience will help you be more successful in the long run.
Remember that a proper diet is not everything you need. Supplement it with this 20 Min Full Body Workout at Home challenge!
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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